By Audrey Levine Staff Writer
Parishioners will walk down a runway, dressed in today’s fashions and vintage clothing dating back to the 1940s.
And while celebrating 60 years of fashions, those in attendance will also take the opportunity to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Christ the King Church, on Louis Street.
”People are excited because this is an accomplishment for the church,” said Sandy Scrape, chairwoman of the fashion show, which will be held June 22 in the cafeteria of the church’s school on North Thirteenth Avenue. “And we’ve had great feedback about the upcoming fashion show.”
Ms. Scrape said she developed the fashion show as something different to do in celebration of the church’s anniversary. She said about 15 parishioners of Sacred Heart Church have volunteered to be models during the event.
”We are looking for bodies to fit into the vintage clothes,” she said.
As for the clothes to be modeled, Ms. Scrape said current fashions are being donated by Coldwater Creek in the Bridgewater Mall, and the vintage pieces are coming from members of the church with items dating back several decades.
”We have about 12 different outfits so far,” she said.
In addition to the modeling, Ms. Scrape said, the event will offer refreshments and door prizes.
”We like to do things that bring the parish together,” she said. “I think this will do well, there has been a lot of positive feedback so far.”
But the main reason for holding this very different event is to celebrate a church that, despite small beginnings and a couple moves, is still going strong today.
The church was established in Manville on April 22, 1948, with about 800 families gathering in a house that was purchased on Brooks Boulevard to become the rectory. According to the church’s history, weekday Masses were held at that house, while Sunday Mass was held at Fire Company No. 3, on Louis Street, with additional times being added as the church continued to grow.
Before the church had been open for a year, it began the excavation for a new building on Feb. 22, 1949, and was incorporated May 17, 1949. The church grew again when Christ the King School opened in September 1968.
Ms. Scrape said that to wind down the celebration of the anniversary, the church, which now welcomes about 1,300 registered families, will hold a dinner dance in November, in addition to its annual summer picnic and pasta dinners.
”People get to know each other in the church,” she said. “We bring everyone together to celebrate.”
The fashion show will be held at 1 p.m. June 22. To purchase a ticket for $15, call the church at 908-231-1330, or Ms. Scrape at 908-722-3865, by June 16.
Those wishing to donate clothes or participate in the show should call Ms. Scrape by June 13.
